Nordic Guide

Lone Mountain Ranch; Big Sky (MT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana invites applicants for a Nordic Guide role, guiding guests in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing across 148-acre property near Yellowstone. You lead private and group lessons, fit equipment, and share trail insights to create confident, memorable winter experiences.

The position emphasizes hospitality, safety, adaptability to weather, and collaboration with Retail, Front Desk, and other teams to ensure exceptional Ranch experiences for every guest.

Qualifications

• Experience with cross-country skiing and/or snowshoeing.
• Strong guest service, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to safely teach and assist guests in outdoor winter environments.
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and throughout the winter season.

Responsibilities

• Welcome guests with warmth, professionalism, and hospitality.
• Lead private and group cross-country ski and snowshoe lessons for varied ages and abilities.
• Fit guests with rental equipment and explain proper use.
• Provide trail recommendations, current conditions, safety info, and Ranch activities.
• Process trail passes, rentals, and retail accurately.
• Maintain equipment, trails, and facilities for safety and enjoyment.
• Communicate trail updates to guests and team members.
• Assist with Sleigh Ride Dinner check-ins and guest arrival experiences.
• Follow Ranch safety procedures and report hazards or maintenance concerns.

Skills

Guest service

Communication

Outdoor instruction

Team player

Safety awareness

Education

PSIA Level I certification

PSIA Level II certification

PSIA Level III certification

Job description

For more than 100 years, Lone Mountain Ranch has welcomed guests to beautiful Big Sky, Montana. Set on 148 acres just minutes from Yellowstone National Park, the Ranch is known for authentic Western hospitality, exceptional dining, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable guest experiences.

The beauty of the Ranch may be what guests remember first, but it's the people who create the experiences they remember most. Together, we take pride in caring for this special place—preserving its history, stewarding its natural surroundings, and creating meaningful experiences for every guest who visits.

Whether you're welcoming guests, preparing memorable meals, caring for our historic property, or supporting operations behind the scenes, every role contributes to creating unforgettable experiences while helping shape the next chapter of Lone Mountain Ranch's legacy.

Share the Joy of Winter Adventure

Winter at Lone Mountain Ranch is about more than snow—it's about helping guests discover the beauty, serenity, and excitement of exploring Montana's winter landscape. As a Nordic Guide, you'll introduce guests to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing while creating experiences that build confidence, inspire adventure, and leave lasting memories. Whether you're fitting guests with equipment, teaching someone their first glide on skis, recommending the perfect trail, or welcoming them to one of our signature winter experiences, you'll help create the kind of hospitality that keeps guests coming back year after year.

What You'll Do

• Welcome guests with warmth, professionalism, and genuine hospitality.
• Lead private and group cross-country ski and snowshoe lessons for guests of varying ages and abilities.
• Fit guests with appropriate rental equipment and ensure they understand its proper use.
• Assist guests with trail recommendations, current conditions, safety information, and Ranch activities.
• Process trail pass sales, equipment rentals, and retail purchases accurately and efficiently.
• Maintain rental equipment, trails, and facilities to ensure a safe and enjoyable guest experience.
• Monitor trail conditions and communicate updates to guests and fellow team members.
• Respond promptly and professionally to guest inquiries by phone, email, and in person.
• Assist with Sleigh Ride Dinner check-ins, helping provide a seamless and welcoming guest arrival experience.
• Follow all Ranch safety procedures and report hazards, incidents, or maintenance concerns promptly.
• Assist with snow removal, guest transportation, and other operational responsibilities as business needs require.
• Partner with the Retail, Front Desk, and Sleigh Ride Teamster teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences throughout the Ranch.
• Participate in training, accept feedback, and contribute positively to a collaborative team culture.
• Adapt to changing weather conditions, guest needs, and operational priorities throughout the winter season.

Who Thrives Here

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys spending their days outdoors, sharing their passion for winter recreation, and helping guests build confidence on the trails. Successful Nordic Guides are patient teachers, confident communicators, and dependable teammates who remain positive during changing weather conditions and busy holiday periods. They enjoy meeting new people, taking initiative, and are equally comfortable leading a first‑time ski lesson, assisting with a busy Sleigh Ride Dinner check‑in, or jumping in wherever needed to ensure every guest has an exceptional Ranch experience.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Valid U.S. driver's license.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain certification during the season.
• Experience with cross‑country skiing and/or snowshoeing.
• Strong guest service, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to safely teach and assist guests in outdoor winter environments.
• Basic computer proficiency, including email, point‑of‑sale systems, and internet navigation.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and throughout the winter season.

Preferred Qualifications

• PSIA Level I certification (or international equivalent), or willingness to obtain certification during employment.
• PSIA Level II or III certification.
• Experience teaching, coaching, or guiding outdoor recreation.
• Previous hospitality or guest service experience.
• Knowledge of the Big Sky area and local winter recreation opportunities.
• Experience working with guests of all ages and ability levels.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday.
• Frequently lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortably ski on groomed Nordic trails and navigate varying snow conditions.
• Work outdoors for extended periods in cold, snowy, and changing weather conditions, including temperatures below 0°F.
• Safely navigate uneven, icy, and snow‑covered terrain on skis and on foot.
• Work a schedule that includes mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.